眼目|がんもくganmoku[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounmain point; main object; chief purpose; core; gist; essence

• SynonymポイントCasualLoanword for the key point; also used for places and for points or scores. The most common everyday choice; 「眼目」 is written-style, for where a matter's focus lies.
• Synonym趣旨しゅしNeutralAims and intent, as in 「会の趣旨」, or the gist of what is said. It stresses purpose, while 「眼目」 stresses the point one should focus on.
• Synonym核心かくしんNeutralThe central substance of something, as in 「核心に迫る」; stresses the deepest part of a problem. 「眼目」 stresses the focal point of an action or argument.
• Synonym要領ようりょうNeutralGist or essentials, but also the knack of handling things, as in 「要領がいい」. 「眼目」 has no sense of knack or technique.
• Synonym要点ようてんNeutralThe most widely used word for important points, fine in speech and writing. 「眼目」 is written-style and marks the chief focus of a matter.
• Synonym要旨ようしWrittenWritten word for the gist or summary of a text or speech, as in 「論文の要旨」. 「眼目」 names the focal point of a plan or argument.
• Synonym中核ちゅうかくNeutralThe core part of an organization or thing, as in 「中核企業」; stresses the structural center. 「眼目」 stresses the focal point of a matter's gist.
• Synonym骨子こっしWrittenWritten word for the skeleton points of a plan or document, as in 「法案の骨子」; stresses the overall frame. 「眼目」 stresses the most crucial focus within it.
• SynonymエッセンスNeutralLoanword for essence, also a fragrance extract; stresses refined essence. 「眼目」 stresses the main point of a matter.
• Synonym核かくNeutralCore or backbone, but also a fruit pit, atomic nucleus or nuclear weapons; stresses the central part. 「眼目」 stresses a matter's gist.
• SynonymかなめNeutralThe key point or linchpin, also a key person, as in 「チームの要」. 「眼目」 is never used of people, only for the gist of a matter.
• Synonym枢要すうようWrittenWritten word, mostly a na-adjective as in 「枢要な地位」, for a pivotal, crucial position. 「眼目」 is a noun for where the main point lies.
• Synonym正鵠せいこくWrittenOriginally the bull's-eye; mostly in 「正鵠を射る」 for hitting the vital point. Rarely used alone, unlike 「眼目」, which directly names the main point.
• Synonym狙いどころねらいどころCasualColloquial word for the target one aims at or hopes to achieve; stresses the goal. 「眼目」 is written-style and means a matter's main point.
• Synonym主意しゅいWrittenWritten word for the main meaning, also a lord's will; not much used. 「眼目」 stresses the focal point and never refers to will.
• Synonym肯綮こうけいWrittenRare literary word, mostly as 「肯綮に中る」 for striking the vital point. In everyday speech say 「要点」 or 「核心」.
• Synonym要義ようぎWrittenWritten word for the important meaning or purport; not much used. 「眼目」 stresses the focal point; in daily use 「要点」 can replace both.
• Synonym心髄しんずいWrittenWritten word for the marrow, essence or center, also the depths of one's heart; stresses the most fundamental essence. 「眼目」 stresses the focal point of a matter.

「眼目」 is a written-style word for the main point or focus of a plan, argument or undertaking, as in 「改革の眼目」. In everyday speech say 「ポイント」; for important points use 「要点」, for a text's gist or summary 「要旨」, for the core 「核心」, and for the frame of a plan 「骨子」. The rarer written terms — 「枢要」, 「正鵠」, 「肯綮」, 「主意」, 「要義」, 「心髄」 — are uncommon and each carries its own nuance.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 目め。眼め。
2. 要点ようてん。主眼しゅがん。